the deal may yet trigger the arrival of Welsh international Neil Taylor to St James' Park.

Swansea chiefs confirmed the bid for out of favour winger Routledge yesterday but the Evening Chronicle says Cardiff City are also keen on the former England Under-21 international.

However, Swansea appear to be in the driving seat for Routledge with a spokesman from the Liberty Stadium confirming today: "We have expressed an interest in Routledge and are in discussions with Newcastle."